On day three of my trip with Paola from Christophers and Palm Bay Imports, we moved left Santa Rita and travelled to Vina MontGras winery, located in the Colchagua Valley (with other vineyards in the Leyda and Maipo Valleys). The gorgeous winery building is right out of a picture book and looks like it has been there forever, even though it was only opened in early 1990′s by brothers Hernán and Eduardo Gras, together with their business partner Cristián Hartwig.

Wine Tasting at MontGras

We were lucky enough to spend the day with Hernan Gras, a wonderfully warm and funny man, who was born in Chile, but spent 20 years in Canada in the Niagara wine region, before returning to his home country to begin his own wine empire. Hernan took us to his beautiful wine tasting room where we savored the flavors of 13 of his best wines, from various labels: MontGras, Amaral, Ninquen and Intriga.

I love a good sauvignon blanc, so the Amaral sauvignon blanc 2009 was delightful for me. I also took a liking to the MontGras reserva Carmenere 2008. I even bought a bottle at the MontGras gift shop, even though its easily purchases at BevMo for under $20. In fact I bought some at BevMo just yesterday to bring to a friend’s dinner party this weekend.

My other recommendation, which was a real group favorite, if the MontGras Quatro 2008, a blend of cabernet sauvignon, malbec, syrah and carmenere. Also available in the under-$20 range, this is amazing value for a gorgeous wine.

 After our wine tasting, we retired the stunning MontGras courtyard where Hernan treated us to a lovely four-course wine-paired lunch. There is nothing quite so luxurious as a leisurely feast in wine country. After a meal to remember, our group took the saddle and toured the MontGras vineyard by horse-back. This was a unique and magical way to walk through the vines, and I would recommend this to anyone fortunate enough to visit MontGras.

Horseback Riding at MontGras

Our day at MontGras was one of my favorite days, thanks to Hernan Gras’s hospitality, as well as the absolute beauty of the the winery building and the vineyard tour. The delicious wine also helped out.

For more information on touring Vina MontGras and about MontGras wines, visit www.montgras.cl.

For information on Chilean wines available at Christopher’s, visit www.christophersaz.com.

For more information on Palm Bay Imports South American wines, visit www.palmbayimports.com.

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